Matrix Code-Based User Interface

ABSTRACT

A method for presenting a matrix code may include receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying identifying data relating to a remotely accessible program, generating, at a content receiver, a matrix code from the identifying data relating to the remotely accessible program, transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display, and receiving the remotely accessible program in response to a user capture of the matrix code. A method for remotely controlling a set top box and a method for setting a recording time on a set top box are also described. A method of preparing a program guide may include gathering program information, generating matrix codes for each program including program data, and associating the matrix codes with respective programs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an interface for televisionprogramming. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to QRcodes presented on a display for scanning, where the codes haveaudiovisual program information stored therein.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a method for presenting a matrix code for expressingan interest in a remotely accessible program may include receiving, at acontent receiver, a signal carrying identifying data relating to theremotely accessible program. The method may also include generating, atthe content receiver, a matrix code from the identifying data relatingto the remotely accessible program. The method may also includetransmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to apresentation device for display. The method may further includereceiving the remotely accessible program in response to a user captureof the matrix code. The method may be part of a process includingscanning the matrix code, communicating with a service provider, andscheduling and downloading the remotely accessible program.

In another embodiment, a method for controlling a set top box mayinclude receiving a communication from a reader having scanned a matrixcode generated by the set top box, where the communication may containprogram information. The method may further include developing aninstruction for a set top box to record a program and transmitting theinstruction to the set top box. This method may be part of a processincluding presenting a matrix code, scanning the matrix code,communicating with a service provider, and recording a programtransmitted by the service provider.

In another embodiment, a method of setting a recording time on a set topbox may include receiving an instruction to record from a serviceprovider, coordinating the recording time with previously scheduledrecordings, and setting the set top box to record.

In still another embodiment, a method of preparing a program guide mayinclude gathering program information, generating matrix codes for eachprogram including program data, and associating the matrix codes withrespective programs.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are for purposes of example andexplanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. Theaccompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure.Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for transmitting audiovisualcontent and for supporting upstream communication from a user to atelevision service provider, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating a method for presenting a matrixcode for expressing an interest in an on-demand program.

FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating an alternative method forpresenting a matrix code for expressing an interest in an on-demandprogram.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for remotely controlling aset top box.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for setting a recordingtime on a set top box.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for preparing a programguide.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for receiving and updatinga program guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The description that follows includes sample systems and methods thatembody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should beunderstood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a varietyof forms in addition to those described herein.

Audiovisual programming generally involves transmitting signals carryingaudiovisual content to a receiver. Generally, the audiovisual contentincludes streams of data supporting several viewable programs at anygiven time. As such, the signals may be processed and the audiovisualcontent may be selectively displayed on a presentation device by, forexample, selecting a particular channel. Although a receiver may not beset to a particular channel, it receives data for several channels. Inthis manner, service providers may allow users to have flexibility inwhat they watch without requiring that the user communicate informationto the service provider. However, in the case of pay-per-view,video-on-demand, and other types of viewing, it can be beneficial forthe user to be able to communicate with the provider. In some cases, forexample, a satellite set top box may be connected to a phone line toorder pay-per-view movies, shows, or events. In other cases, a set topbox may have an Internet connection. In these cases, the phone line orInternet connection may allow the user to communicate upstream to thetelevision service provider and initiate changes to the audiovisualcontent available to them.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for communicatingwith a television provider as well as methods associated with modifyingand/or scheduling the viewing or storing of audiovisual content. In someembodiments, the system includes a satellite configured to receivetransmissions and instructions from a satellite provider. The methods,in some embodiments, involve producing a matrix code, such as a QR code,and associating the matrix code with programming promoting audiovisualcontent that is remotely accessible. That is, the programming mayinclude an advertisement, the audiovisual content may be a TV show ormovie, and the audio visual content may be remotely accessible from aservice provider via on-demand programming, for example. A user may scanthe code using, for example, a smartphone when viewing theadvertisement. The code may include information and instructions for asmartphone to communicate with the satellite service provider toschedule the download of the advertised TV show or movie to the user'sset top box for later on-demand viewing. In other embodiments, the codemay include information and instructions for their smartphone tocommunicate with the satellite service provider to unlock or otherwiserelease controls on a pay-per-view channel, out-of-package channel, orother channel for immediate viewing. In another embodiment, a QR codemay be produced and associated with a television program. The QR codemay be viewable in an electronic program guide and may be visuallyassociated with the television program. In this embodiment, a user mayscan the code when viewing the program guide. The code may includeinformation and instructions for a smartphone, or other reader device,to communicate with the television service provider to, in turn, send aninstruction to the user's set top box to schedule a recording of thetelevision program. Other embodiments and variations of those mentionedwill be described below.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a sample system 100 for performing the methodsdescribed herein is shown. As shown, the system 100 may include areceiver 102 for receiving audiovisual programs and instructions from aservice provider. The system 100 may also include a presentation device104 for displaying the programs. The system 100 may also include areader 106 for reading information displayed on the presentation device104, typically in the form of a matrix code 140. The reader may be incommunication with a network 108 supported by one or more servers 110for processing the information captured from presentation device 104.

The receiver 102 may be configured to receive a signal carrying abroadcast television program, a program guide, a menu, a movie or otheraudiovisual content. The receiver 102 may further be configured fortransmitting the content to the presentation device 104 for viewing. Assuch, the receiver 102 may be in the form of a set top box 116 or asatellite system as shown including a dish 112, cabling 114 leading tothe set top box 116, and cabling 118 leading to the presentation device104, for example. Other examples of a receiver 102 may include anantenna system employing an analog or digital antenna connected bycabling leading either to a television receiver or directly to thepresentation device 104. Still other examples may include a cable systemincluding an incoming cable leading directly to a presentation device104 or to a presentation device via a set top box.

In some embodiments, the receiver 102 may be configured to convert,configure, or otherwise modify the display prior to transmitting it tothe presentation device for viewing. The receiver may further beconfigured for storing and displaying audiovisual content. The receivermay thus be in the form of a computer-type device having one or moreprocessing units 120, one or more inputs 122, one or more outputs 124,and one or more computer readable storage media 126 (which may take theform of, but is not limited to: a magnetic storage medium; opticalstorage medium; magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory; randomaccess memory; erasable programmable memory; flash memory;non-transitory storage media; and so on).

In some embodiments, these computer-type elements may be incorporatedinto a set top box 116 for receiving a broadcast, program guideinformation, audio and video streams, other audiovisual content, orother information. The set top box 116 may receive the informationthrough the one or more inputs 122, process or store the incominginformation, and selectively output information to the presentationdevice 104 for viewing and interaction by a viewer. For example, theviewer may select which television channel they would like to watch,select from time-shifted television programs stored in the storagemedium, or select movies from a video-on-demand menu, for example. Inanother example, the viewer may navigate an electronic program guide orother series of menus, which may be output to the presentation device104. Instructions executed by the processor 120 may be stored in thestorage medium 126 or received through the one or more inputs 122 orboth. The set top box 120 may include a remote control 128 for remoteinteraction with the viewer.

The presentation device 104 may include one or more inputs 130 forreceiving information from the receiver and an electronic device 132 forreceiving information from the one or more inputs 130 and transmittingthe information to a display screen, speaker, or other output 134. Thepresentation device 104 may be a television, computer monitor, or otherdevice for presenting a viewer with visual and/or audio stimuli.

The reader 106 may be a remote device configured for optically scanninginformation from the presentation device 104. The reader 106, like thereceiver 102 described above, may also be a computer-type device havingone or more inputs, a processor, a computer readable storage medium, andone or more outputs. One of the inputs of the reader 106 may include anoptical receiver configured for receiving and recording light patterns.The optical receiver may be a digital optical receiver similar to thatfound in digital cameras and some mobile phones. In some embodiments,the reader 106 may be in the form of a personal digital assistant (PDA),a portable computing device, a tablet computer, a smartphone and thelike. The reader 106 may receive image input, for example, from theoptical receiver and the processor may access processing instructionsfor the image from the computer readable storage medium. That is, insome embodiments, the reader 106 may have decoding software stored inthe storage medium for decoding matrix codes. In some embodiments, thesoftware may include an auto run feature when a matrix code is scanned.The processor may process the image produced by the optical receiver andmay follow additional instructions produced by the processing of theimage.

The reader 106 may have Internet access capability via a wirelesstelephone network, hardwired connection, WiFi access, or another networkconnection. In following instructions provided by the storage medium or,for example, from a processed image, the reader 106 may access theInternet or other network 108 and conduct additional activities byinteracting with web-based systems 110 or other network connectedsystems 110.

The network connected systems or servers 110 may include web serversconnected to a network (e.g., the Internet) for supporting web sites orother web interfaces. The network connected systems or servers 110 mayalso include the computers, systems, or servers of a television serviceprovider. For example, the receiver 102 may be configured to receiveinformation via satellite from the server 110 of a respective televisionservice provider. As such, a full-circle system of information transfermay be provided, as shown best in FIG. 1.

Having described a system 100 upon which the current methods may beperformed, reference is now made to FIGS. 2-4, which each illustrate aportion of a process for using matrix codes displayed in programmingcontent to express interest in or purchase a remotely accessibleprogram, such as an on-demand program. For example, programming contentin the form of an advertisement or television commercial may be embeddedin a television program and the advertisement may relate to a movie, forexample, that is available via an on-demand service provided by thetelevision service provider. A viewer of the advertisement may scan thematrix code in the advertisement with a smartphone, for example, and thesmartphone may communicate via a network to the service provider thatthe user is interested in the advertised movie via the on-demand system.Accordingly, the television service provider may schedule the movie tobe downloaded to the user's set top box. As such, the next time the useraccesses the on-demand features of his system, the advertised movie maybe available for them to purchase and watch in an on demand manner. Themethod 200 of FIG. 2A or the method 250 shown in FIG. 2B may performpart of this larger process by generating a matrix code containinginformation regarding an on-demand program and displaying it in anadvertisement. FIGS. 3 and 4 may relate to the responsive processes ofscheduling and downloading the video.

Before discussing the operations performed in the method, additionalinformation is provided with regard to the programming content, thematrix codes included therein, and the information in the matrix codes.The programming content may be in the form of commercials embedded in atelevision program or placed in spaces within a television program thatinterrupt programming. Other programming content may include banner adsthat scroll or otherwise appear at a bottom, top, side, or corner of ascreen, for example, during programming or while viewing a programguide, menu, or other display available from a service provider. Thatis, the program guide, for example, may be designed to streamadvertisements while a viewer is reviewing or scrolling through theguide. Other menus, such as time-shifted program menus, on-demand menus,or others may also be designed to stream advertisements while a vieweris viewing the menu. Still other advertisements may include standing orintermittent logos present during programming, on the program guide,menu, or other display. Still other advertisements may include pop upads appearing to the viewer.

The programming content may include a matrix code, such as a QR code,that is presented to the user for viewing and/or capturing, such asscanning with a reader 106. The matrix code may be visible throughoutthe advertisement or it may appear for a portion thereof. In someembodiments, a prompt may be incorporated into the advertisementindicating when the matrix code will appear so that a viewer may beready to scan the code. The prompt may suggest that additionalinformation about the advertised program may be available or the promptmay indicate that scanning the code may make the program available inthe user's on-demand menu. In systems where on-demand programs requirepurchase, the prompt may suggest that scanning the code will make theprogram available in an on-demand menu for later purchase, while otherembodiments may suggest that scanning the code will cause the program tobe purchased. In the latter embodiment, controls may be put in place onthe user's account for verifying the smartphone or other reader 106 thatis scanning the code to prevent third party viewers from purchasingprograms and charging the account holder.

An exemplary matrix code 140, as depicted in FIG. 1, is atwo-dimensional display (such as a QR code) defining patterns andregions that embody data, similar to a bar code. The matrix code 140 maytake the form of alternating black and white elements, such as squaresor other geometric shapes. The two-dimensional nature of the display maygenerally allow for more data to be stored than a typical bar code.While the present disclosure is related to the use of two-dimensionalmatrix codes 140, other data storing/displaying images or systems mayalso be used. For example, holographic images allowing forthree-dimensional storage of data may be used, as may changing imagesthat allow for recording and/or display of information over time. Eachof these and other methods for storing information in a display may beused and are considered to be included in the term “matrix code” 140.

The matrix codes 140 in the present embodiment may store advertisementdata and/or identifying data. The advertisement data may relate to thecontent of the advertised movie or on-demand program, while theidentifying data may pertain to, for example, the title of the on-demandprogram in addition to the account information of the user. Theadvertisement data may, for example, include a Uniform Resource Locator(URL) allowing the reader 106 to access a corresponding website via theInternet 108. The website may include additional information regardingthe on-demand program. For example, the additional information mayinclude movie trailers, additional advertisements, related products,games, coupons, or other information or incentives relating to theadvertised on-demand program. Unrelated information or products may alsobe provided. In other embodiments, the advertisement data may includeexecutable code that, when processed by the reader 106, causes thereader 106 to execute the program and perform an activity. For example,the executable code may run an advertisement on the reader 106 that isthe same or different from the advertisement from which the matrix codewas scanned or a movie trailer may be played on the reader. In otherembodiments, the scanned code may include a link to download relatedapplications such as games, for example. Other types of advertisementdata may be included in the matrix code 140 and may be particularlyconfigured to entice viewers of television to scan the codes whenviewing advertisements. The enticement may be by way of additionalinformation, applications, convenience, or other benefits flowing to theviewer who scans the matrix code.

The advertisement data may be supplied by the advertiser. For example, aproducer of a movie may develop, or have developed, an advertisement forits movie. At the time of developing the advertisement, a matrix code140 and any associated prompts, highlights, or other features toencourage viewers to scan the matrix code 140 may be included in theadvertisement. When a network or other program providing entityassembles programming they may include the advertisement in theirprogramming. Accordingly, the receiver in the system above may receivethe advertisement together with the program or other audiovisual contentbeing provided by the broadcasting network. In other embodiments, atelevision service provider such as a satellite or cable provider maycoordinate the inclusion of advertisements in a program or in a programguide or other menu. Without more, the advertisement may run with theprogram or menu and, if scanned by a viewer, the advertisement data maybe decoded and actions may be taken by the reader 106 according to theadvertisement data.

In other embodiments, the advertisement data may be pre-supplied to thereceiver 102, which in turn may generate a matrix code to be displayedwith the advertisement. That is, the receiver 102 may includeadvertisement data corresponding to a list of known advertisers storedin the computer readable storage medium 126. For example, the receiver102 may have a URL address stored in a database and associated with acorresponding advertiser. When the receiver 102 receives a signal thatincludes advertisements for the advertiser, the receiver 102 may overlaythe particular advertisement with a matrix code 140. The matrix code 140may include the stored advertisement data, such as the URL address.Thus, where advertisers have not supplied their own matrix codes 140with advertisement data, the receiver 102 may be capable of doing so. Instill other embodiments, the matrix code 140 with advertisement data maybe provided by a television network or a satellite service, cableservice, or other television service provider.

As indicated, the matrix code 140 presented on the presentation device104 may also include identifying data in addition to the advertisementdata. The identifying data may include information about the accountholder such as an account number and a set top box identifier such as aserial number, access card number, or other box identifying information.The identifying data may also include a movie title or other identifyinginformation about the on-demand movie, program, show, or otheraudiovisual content. That is, in addition to the title, otheridentifying information may include the type of content such as movie ortelevision show or series, movie genre, or other category information toassist the on-demand provider with identifying the correct on-demandprogram. In some cases, the identifying data may also include whetherthe user has expressed interest in an on-demand program or whether theyhave authorized the purchase of the program.

The identifying data may also include instructions to be performed bythe reader 106 to allow the identifying data to be communicated to thetelevision provider for scheduling and downloading of the on-demandcontent. For example, the identifying data may include instructions forthe receiver to generate an e-mail, text, telephone call, or othertransmission to transmit the identifying data to a server 110 havingprocessing instructions stored thereon. Other instructions included inthe identifying data may include URL information for the reader 106 toaccess the Internet and provide the identifying information to a server110 via a website or other network interface.

The identifying data may be supplied by the receiver 102 and may bestored in the computer readable storage medium 126 thereof. The receiver102 may be associated with a television service provider such as asatellite or cable provider. Accordingly, the receiver 102 may haveinformation stored therein about the associated account holder and/orits location and may further include information regarding theparticular set top box being used, such as a serial number, access cardnumber, or other distinguishing box information. This identifying datamay be stored in a computer readable storage medium 126 within the box116 and be available for including in the matrix code. The identifyingdata relating to the on-demand program may be taken from theadvertisement data by the receiver 102. For example, when an incomingadvertisement includes a matrix code with advertisement data, thereceiver 102 may read the matrix code and pull the title of theon-demand program from the provided matrix code. In other embodiments,for example, when a television service provider is insertingadvertisements into spaces within programs, the service provider may tagparticular ads with identifying information allowing the receiver 102 toread and store the information as identifying data for use in a matrixcode.

The receiver 102 may generate and insert a matrix code 140 in anadvertisement that does not already have a matrix code or the matrixcode 140 of an advertisement already having a matrix code 140. When thematrix code 140 is not already provided, the receiver 102 may analyzethe incoming stream and read, for example, movie titles associated withcommercials and other identifying data from metadata in the stream, dataon the storage medium, and the like. The receiver 102 may then generatea matrix code 140 and insert it, together with any prompts or otherinformation, concurrently with the advertisement. This may includeproviding a banner along the bottom, top, side, or corner of a displayduring the advertisement that displays the matrix code and, optionally,further instructs the viewer to scan the code with, for example, theirsmartphone. When the matrix code 140 is already provided in anadvertisement, the receiver 102 may modify or replace the matrix code140 such that it may include the identifying data. This may involvemodification of the matrix code 140 such that the advertisement data inthe code 140 remains and the identifying data is read from the computerreadable storage medium 126 and added to the matrix code 140. Themodified matrix code 140 may then be shown in place of the originallyprovided matrix code 140. In some embodiments, the receiver 102 may readthe matrix code 140 and create a new matrix code 140 including theadvertisement data provided by the advertisers matrix code 140 and theidentifying data provided by the receiver 102. The receiver 102 may thenoverlay the new matrix code 140 over the advertiser supplied matrix code140 for display to the viewer. This latter approach may allow atelevision service provider to exercise more control over the appearanceand capability of matrix codes 140 displayed by their service. This mayallow for proprietary forms of matrix codes 140 to be used by severaltelevision service providers.

In each of the above cases when a matrix code 140 is provided and ismodified, or when a matrix code 140 is absent and is produced, thereceiver 102 may rely on matrix code software stored therein. Thesoftware may include a matrix code development module for developingmatrix codes and incorporating data therein. The software may furtherinclude a matrix code decoding software for decoding matrix codesalready present in a program. The software may also include a matrixcode editing module for modifying or editing matrix codes 140 to add orremove data therefrom.

With this background regarding programming content, matrix codes, andthe data stored therein, the methods 200 and 250 may be described inmore detail. The methods 200 and 250 may be performed by all or aportion of the system 100 of FIG. 1. The method may also be performed byother systems.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the receiver 102 may receive a signal carrying oneor more matrix codes associated with an identifier (202). For example, aservice provider may pre-assemble a plurality of matrix codes 140 andassociate them with identifiers. The matrix codes 140 and identifiersmay be stored in a database. The operation depicted in box 202 mayinvolve receiving a data transmission including the data in the databasefrom a service provider. In one embodiment, for example, each of thematrix codes 140 may relate to or contain identifying data of anon-demand movie title and each code may be associated with a particularidentifier. The codes 140 may have additional identifying data and mayalso include advertiser data as described above. Having received the oneor more matrix codes 140 associated with an identifier, the receiver 102may store the codes 140 and identifiers in a computer readable storagemedium 126. This process of receiving data including matrix codes 140and identifiers may occur on an ongoing basis where the stored data iscontinually updated, or the process may occur periodically, such asovernight for example. Either way, the process may be intended tocontinually prepare the set top box 116, for example, to receiveprogramming content carrying instructions to retrieve the stored matrixcodes 140.

With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the receiver 102 may receive asignal carrying programming content (206), such as a televisionadvertisement, for example. The signal carrying the programming contentmay include a data stream, a video stream, and an audio stream. In thedata stream, or otherwise, the programming content may includeinstructions for the receiver 102 to retrieve a particular matrix code140 in addition to instructions on what to do with the matrix code 140.For example, the data stream of the programming content may instruct thereceiver 102 to retrieve a particular matrix code 140 by providing aparticular identifier to the receiver 102 and instructing the receiverto retrieve the associated matrix code 140. The programming content mayfurther include instructions on how, when, and where to display thematrix code. For example, when the programming content is a 30 secondtelevision commercial, the instruction may direct the receiver todisplay the retrieved matrix code in 20 seconds lasting for 10 secondsthereby presenting the matrix code for the last 10 seconds of thetelevision commercial. In other cases, the instruction may direct thereceiver 102 to display the code 140 immediately and throughout thelength of the commercial. In still other embodiments, the instructionsmay direct the receiver 102 to display the code 140 at the beginning andend of the commercial. In addition to temporal instructions, theinstruction may also indicate where on the screen to display the matrixcode 140 so as to suitably appear within the programming content. Insome embodiments, the instruction may include directing the receiver 102to display a prompt or other pop-up for encouraging or enticing a userto capture the matrix code 140 with a reader 106.

Having received the instruction from the data stream or other portion ofthe programming content, the receiver 102 may retrieve the designatedmatrix code (210). Where the instructions include an identifier, forexample, the receiver 102 may search the stored matrix codes 140 andidentifiers and retrieve the matrix code 140 associated with theidentifier matching that provided by the programming content. Havingretrieved the matrix code 140, the receiver 102 may then follow theadditional instructions provided by the programming content to outputthe matrix code 140 and/or other content to the presentation device(212). The preloaded matrix codes 140 and identifiers may allow thereceiver 102 to react in real time to incoming programming contentallowing matrix codes 140 to be included in programming content withoutdelay, interruption, or loss of content. As is described with respect toFIGS. 3 and 4 below, the matrix code 140 may be captured by a user andthe identifying data from the code 140 may be communicated to a serviceprovider including instructions to download a particular on-demandprogram, for example, to a user's set top box for the option to purchasethe on-demand program.

Turning now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the receiver 102 mayreceive a signal carrying a programming content (252), such as anadvertisement, for example. The received signal, like operation (206)above, may be any programming content signal and may haveadvertisements, or spaces for advertisements, incorporated therein. Forexample, the signal may be a television broadcast signal carrying a liveprogram or it may be a signal carrying a program guide or other menu. Assuch, the signal received by the receiver 102 may include several formsand may be carrying at least one of several types of audiovisualcontent.

Having received a signal carrying programming content (252), thereceiver 102 may temporarily store the content (254) in a computerreadable storage medium 126 and may further search the advertisement fora matrix code (256). Depending on whether an initial matrix code ispresent, the receiver may generate a matrix code 140, or choose not to,by performing differing operations (258). For example, when an initialmatrix code is present, the receiver 102 may generate a matrix code 140by first utilizing a decoding software module stored on the storagemedium to decode and read the initial matrix code. The receiver 102 mayanalyze the read data to determine if the advertisement relates to anon-demand program. This may occur by comparing a program title found inthe initial matrix code to a database of on-demand programs availablefrom a television service provider. If the advertisement relates to anon-demand program, the receiver 102 may then rely on an editing softwaremodule to generate a matrix code 140 by modifying the initial matrixcode to include identifying data (260). Once modified, the advertisementwith the modified matrix code 140 may be temporarily stored (264) as arevised advertisement.

In another example, when an initial matrix code is not present, thereceiver 102 may process any associated, tagged, or other informationdefining the nature of the advertisement. That is, without a matrix codein the advertisement, other options may be used to determine the natureof the advertisement and further determine, for example, if it relatesto a movie or other program and the title of the program. Suchinformation may be obtained from advertisement metadata, for example.When a program title is identified, the title may be compared to, forexample, a database of on-demand programs available from a televisionservice provider. If the advertisement relates to an on-demand program,the receiver may generate a matrix code 140. In this example, thereceiver 102 may also provide advertisement data by searching a databaseassociated with receiver 102 or accessed via a network such as theInternet for advertisement data consistent with the advertisement in thebroadcast. For example, the receiver 102 may obtain a Web address for aproducer of a movie advertised in the advertisement. The receiver 102may then rely on a matrix code development module to produce a matrixcode 140 including both the searched for advertisement data and theidentifying data (262). Once the matrix code 140 is compiled, it may beassociated with the advertisement and the advertisement may betemporarily stored as a revised advertisement (264). In both of theabove cases, the advertisement with the generated matrix code may thenbe output to the presentation device (266).

Once a program including matrix codes 140 has been output to apresentation device 104, a viewer may scan a matrix code when it ispresented on the presentation device 104. The matrix code 140 may haveadvertisement data and/or identifying data stored therein. The viewermay direct the optical receiver portion of a reader 106 toward thepresentation device 104 when the presentation device 104 is displaying amatrix code 140. The viewer may then actuate the optical receiver by,for example, depressing a shutter button. The reader 106 may thuscapture an image of the matrix code 140. In some embodiments, the viewermay zoom, focus, or otherwise direct the reader toward the portion ofthe presentation device displaying the matrix code.

As mentioned above, the reader 106 may include an auto run featurecausing the reader 106 to begin the decoding process when a matrix code140 has been captured. In other cases, the viewer may deliberatelyselect software resident on the reader 106 and direct the software todecode the captured image of the matrix code 140. The software maydecode the image thus producing the advertisement data and theidentifying data. Depending on the nature of the data, the processor mayautomatically follow instructions provided by the advertisement and/oridentifying data. For example, when the reader 106 has Internetconnectivity, the advertisement data may include instructions for theprocessor to launch a web browser and browse to a particular URL addresscausing a website with information relating to the advertisement toappear on a display of the reader 106. The viewer may then view thewebsite and interact with the website as desired. The identifying datamay include instructions for the processor to compile and send ane-mail, text, or other communication to an on-demand server forrequesting the on-demand program advertised. The communication may bereceived by the on-demand server and the identifying data contained inthe communication may be used to schedule and download the advertisedon-demand program to the set top box of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a method for scheduling and downloading arequested on-demand program is shown. It is noted that on-demandprogramming often occurs by storing several programs locally in thecomputer readable storage medium of a user's set top box. As such, onceselected, paid for, or otherwise receiving authorization, the user mayhave the program streamed from their set top box to their presentationdevice. The locally stored nature of the data allows the program to beplayed immediately, without downloading, and avoids buffering and otherdifficulties with data streaming over wider networks. However, set topboxes may have a limited amount of storage and while a televisionprovider may have access to large numbers of movies and other on-demandprograms, they may not be able to make them all available via anon-demand service due to lack of storage space available on users' settop boxes. Accordingly, in some circumstances, television serviceproviders periodically review the on-demand selections available onusers' set top boxes and update the available selections. This commonlyoccurs during overnight hours and involves deleting old selections fromthe set top box and downloading new ones to the set top box. In thismanner, a television service provider may keep the on-demand optionsavailable to its users fresh and new while also making a wider range ofselections available than the set top box is capable of storing at agiven time.

Operations described herein may allow a television service provider totailor the selections available in a user's on-demand menu by receivingexpressions of interest from the user. Accordingly, and turning again toFIG. 3, the server or other system 110 of the television serviceprovider may receive a transmission (302) from the reader 106. Thetransmission, as suggested by the method 200 and the subsequentdiscussion regarding the reader 106 scanning the matrix code, mayinclude identifying data regarding a user and an on-demand program theuser may be interested in or has chosen to purchase. The server 110 maythus search the on-demand programs stored in a database to locate theassociated on-demand program. The server 110 may then schedule a time tosend a signal (304) to the user's receiver 102 for storing the programin the user's computer readable storage medium 126 and reflecting theavailability of the program in the user's on-demand menu. It is notedthat the scheduled time may be immediate or it may be delayed andschedule for overnight hours, for example. Other times may be selecteddepending on the practices of the television service provider, theexpectations of the user, and other factors. The server 110 may alsoselect a channel, frequency, or other band defining mode for sending thesignal to the set top box 116. In addition, the server 110 may developan instruction (306) for the user's set top box 116 to schedule arecording at the corresponding time and on a corresponding channel.Alternatively, to provide the server 110 with flexibility regarding whento send the signal, the instruction to the set top box 116 may be moreflexible and may, instead include instructions for the set top box 116to watch for an incoming signal having the on-demand content and torecord the content when the signal is transmitted. Once the instructionis developed, the server 110 may transmit the instruction (308) to theuser's receiver 102. The server may then transmit the content (310) tothe user for recording by the receiver 102 at the scheduled time or,when the receiver 102 can be flexible as to the time of thetransmission, the server 110 may transmit the content when it isconvenient, feasible, or efficient. In some embodiments, thetransmission of the instruction to schedule a recording (308) and thetransmission of the content (310) may occur substantiallysimultaneously. That is, the instruction to record may be sent (308) andmay be immediately followed by the transmission of the content. (310) Instill other embodiments, the transmission (310) and the recording (308)may occur in segments.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a user's receiver 102 may receive theinstruction (402) from the television service provider's server and thereceiver 102 may set itself to record (406) based on the instruction. Asindicated, this may include setting the set top box 116 to record aparticular channel at a particular time. In some embodiments, the settop box 116 may coordinate the recording (404) by conducting a recordingconflict check. That is, the set top box 116 may include a plurality ofscheduled recordings based on the user's preferences for televisionprogramming. In this embodiment, the set top box 116 may review whetherit has other programs scheduled for recording at the time instructed bythe server 110. Where conflicts are found, the set top box 116 maycommunicate via phone line, Internet, or other network connection thatthis time conflicts with other recordings and the time may thus beadjusted and coordinated to avoid missing a planned recording. In stillother embodiments, where a conflict is found, a pop-up may be presentedto a user on the presentation device 104 that indicates that a scheduledon-demand download is in conflict with a scheduled recording and theuser may choose to cancel the on-demand download or cancel thepreviously scheduled recording. In still other embodiments, the user maybe provided with the option to instruct rescheduling of the on-demanddownload. In still other embodiments, the prompt to the user on thedisplay device may include presenting a matrix code 140 having theconflict information allowing the user to scan the code 140 forcommunicating to the service provider. The receiver 102 may then receivea transmission (408) from the server 110 of the television serviceprovider including the on-demand content and the receiver 102 may record(410) or otherwise store the content in the computer readable storagemedium 126. The set top box 116 may also update the on-demand menu toreflect the availability of the newly recorded on-demand program.

This overall process including the method for generating a matrix code200, the method for scheduling and downloading an on-demand program 300,and the method for coordinating and recording the on-demand program 400may be advantageous for several reasons. For example, the process mayallow a television service provider to make on-demand programs availableto a user that the provider is substantially certain the user isinterested in. Moreover, the provider may further monitor theexpressions of interest from their users and may be better equipped totailor the on-demand selections available to the user beyond programswhere a specific expression of interest was provided. That is, where auser expresses an interest in a program by scanning a matrix code in anadvertisement for an action film, for example, the provider may weightthat user's on-demand selections more toward action films. Otherprofiling techniques may be used to attempt to tailor users' on-demandmenus to their particular interests.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of a method forcommunicating upstream to modify or change content available to a useris shown. The methods shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be part of a largerprocess using matrix codes appearing in an electronic programming guide.This process may include a television service provider preparing theprogram guide, generating matrix codes relating to the programs in theguide, and associating the codes with the programs in the guide as shownin method 500 of FIG. 5. The program guide containing the matrix codesmay then be transmitted to a user. In some embodiments, the matrix codes140 may be provided by a set top box 116 rather than by the televisionservice provider, as shown in FIG. 6. In either case, the matrix codes140 within the program guide may be scanned by a reader 106 andinformation stored therein may be transmitted to the service provider bythe reader. Methods similar to those described with respect to FIGS. 3and 4 may also be used as part of this larger process to control thecontent available to a user. In one embodiment, for example, the matrixcode produce by method 500 or 600 may include identifying data relatingto the program and instructions to record the program on an ongoingbasis. The reader 106 may scan the code and communicate the instructionto the service provider. The service provider, similar to the operationsshown in FIG. 3, may develop an instruction to record and transmit theinstruction to a user's set top box 116. Similar to FIG. 4, the set topbox may receive the instruction, conduct any coordination, and recordthe program.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, a method 500 for preparing aprogram guide is shown. As shown, a television service provider mayreceive program data from one or more networks (502). The program datamay include program titles, the date and time of the scheduled airing ofthe program, and any other descriptive information regarding theprogram. The service provider may compile the several programs andcreate an electronic program guide (504) reflecting the several channelsthat may be available to its users and the programs that may beavailable on each respective channel at particular times.

The service provider may generate a matrix code 140 for each programwithin the guide (506). The matrix code 140 may be generated with matrixcode development software and configured to store several types ofinformation. In this embodiment, the matrix code may include programdata such as the name of the television program or other identifier andthe date, time, and channel that the television program is scheduled toair. The program data may include descriptive information regarding theprogram and the particular episode that is scheduled to air. Inaddition, the program data may include URL links to network web sitesoffering episode selection, products, or other information relating tothe program. Other program data may also be included.

The matrix code 140 generated may also include instructions. Forexample, the matrix code 140 may be intended to allow a user to schedulerecording of the program or series of programs associated with thematrix code 140. In other embodiments, it may be intended for allowingstorage of the information about the program for sharing with others. Instill other embodiments, the matrix code 140 may be intended to displaythe information on a reader 106 or execute a program on the reader 106or access a website. As such, the matrix code 140 may include one ormore instructions that instructs the reader 106 on how to proceed havingscanned the matrix code 140.

The matrix code 140 having the program data may be associated with itsrespective television program (508) and arranged in a manner to reflectassociation therewith. For example, the matrix code may be placed justbehind or just in front of the program title in the menu. In otherembodiments, the program guide may be configured to reveal additionalinformation about the program when selected by a user with, for example,their remote control. In this embodiment, the matrix code 140 may notappear in the general guide, but may appear when additional informationis revealed after selection by the user. In other embodiments, thematrix code 140 may be available in both the general menu and in a moredetailed view. The prepared program guide may then be transmitted to theuser (510). The transmission may include periodic transmissions allowingthe program to be updated with additional programs and information andto reflect changes in programming.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method of displaying the program guide 600 may beprovided. In this embodiment, a receiver 102 may receive the programguide (602) from the service provider transmission. In this embodiment,for example, where the program guide includes matrix codes 140 havingprogram data, the receiver may generate a matrix code for each program(604), by updating the already present codes 140 with user information.That is, for example, the receiver 102 may read account informationand/or set top box data such as a serial number or access card data fromone or more computer readable storage media contained therein. Thereceiver may include matrix code software for reading, editing, and/orcreating matrix codes, and the receiver may modify the matrix code 140already present in the guide to include information specific to theuser. As such, the resulting matrix codes 140 may be associated withparticular programs and may include program data, instructions, and userinformation. This step of updating the matrix codes 140 with the userinformation may occur each time an updated program guide is transmittedby the service provider (510) and received by the receiver (602). Theset top box 116 may then display the guide (608) when instructed to doso by a user. For example, the user may instruct the set top box 116 todisplay the guide using a remote control or control on the set top box116.

In other embodiments of the method 600, for example, the serviceprovider may compile the program guide, but may not provide the matrixcodes 140. In this embodiment, the receiver 102 may be configured togenerate matrix codes (604) by creating them. In this embodiment, thegeneration of the matrix codes 140 may be more involved than thatdescribed above. That is, rather than updating the matrix codes 140 withuser information, the present embodiment may include creating matrixcodes 140 that include program data, instructions, and user information.In this embodiment, the receiver 102 may receive the program guide(602). The receiver 102 may then read the program guide information fromthe program guide and develop and store program data. The receiver 102may have instructions for what a reader 106, for example, should do withthe code data stored therein. In addition, as above, the receiver mayhave account information and/or set top box information also storedtherein. Accordingly, having read the program guide information, thereceiver 102 may generate a matrix code (604) for each program in theguide including program data, instructions, and user information. Thereceiver 102 may also associate each matrix code (606) with itsrespective program and arrange the matrix code 140 visually within theguide to appear associated with the program. Each time an updatedprogram guide is received from the service provider or at some intervalthereof, the receiver 102 may generate the matrix codes (604) andassociate them with the programs (606) in the guide. As with the aboveembodiment, the set top box 116 may display the guide (608) wheninstructed to do so by a user.

In either of the above embodiments, a user may scan a matrix code withinthe program guide with a reader 106. As with previous embodiments, thereader 106 may store the data and may require action by the user to dosomething with the read data or the reader 106 may include an auto runfeature allowing the code 140 to be automatically decoded, for example.In some embodiments, the data read by the reader 106 may be storedtherein and may be viewable on the reader 106. In some embodiments, thestored data, particularly the program data portion thereof, may be sentvia text or data message or e-mailed to a friend along with commentsabout the show. For example, where a user want to notify a friend of anupcoming showing of a program, they may do so by scanning the matrixcode 140 from their program guide and communicating the program data tothe friend.

In other embodiments, the instruction portion of the data stored in thematrix code 140 may include instructions to access a website, send atext message, or otherwise communicate to the service provider aninterest in recording the show in the guide. Where the service providerreceives such a transmission, the methods 300 and 400 may be used toschedule the user's set top box 116 to record. However, the aspect ofmethod 300 relating to scheduling the download may be omitted. That is,if the program is present in a program guide, the date, time, andchannel of the airing may already be scheduled. As such, the aspect ofmethod 300 regarding developing an instruction and transmitting aninstruction to the user may be used. The several operations of method400 may be used to receive the instruction, coordinate the instruction,set the box 116 to record, and record the showing.

In still other embodiments, the instruction portion of the data storedin the matrix code 140 may be to access a website for example availablevia the program data. In this embodiment, for example, the reader mayaccess a URL address associated with the program and available in theprogram data portion of the matrix code 140. The reader 106 may connectto the Internet, navigate to the URL address, and allow the user tointeract with the website. The user may, for example, select onlineepisodes to view, watch trailers, or otherwise interact with a websitefeaturing the respective television program.

In still other embodiments, a combination of the above processes forscanning and using the matrix code 140 data may be provided. Likewise,multiple matrix codes 140 may be provided for each program depending onthe intended use of the information in the matrix code 140. For example,one matrix code 140 may be used if the user would like to set their settop box 116 to record just the shown episode. Another matrix code 140may be used if the user would like to set their set top box 116 torecord a series. Still a further matrix code 140 may be provided if theuser would just like to receive additional information about theprogram, for example. In other embodiments, the instruction portion ofthe code data may include instructions to prompt the user with aquestion of their intention. As such, once scanned with a reader 106,the user may be prompted with a question such as, “Just this episode orentire series?” The user's response to the prompt may be included in thecommunication to the service provider allowing the service provider todevelop a suitable instruction for sending to the user's set top box116. In still other embodiments, the multiple matrix codes 140 mayinclude data relating to how many episodes to save and for how long tosave the episodes. Other common questions regarding recording televisionprograms may be avoided by having matrix codes 140 configured to causerecording in a certain manner. In other embodiments, the user may beable to control the type of matrix codes available for scanning byselecting from setup options available on their set top box 116.

The methods 500 and 600 relating to generating matrix codes for anelectronic programming guide may be advantageous for several reasons.For example, the availability of a matrix code 140 in the program guidemay make it convenient for a user to set their set top box to record.This may be particularly true where multiple programs are beingrecorded. Additional advantages associated with allowing for additionalinformation or sharing with friends may also be realized.

It is noted here that while matrix codes in advertisements have beendescribed as being configured for expressing interest in on-demandprogramming, other uses may also be available. That is, a matrix code inan advertisement for an upcoming television show may allow for scanningthereof, communication to a service provider, and recording of the showor series. Similarly, a matrix code in an advertisement may also be usedto express interest in or purchase pay-per-view programs bycommunicating to the service provider instructions to allow access to apay-per-view channel where a program may be streamed on a repeatingbasis. In addition, while matrix codes in the program guide have beendescribed for use with respect to scheduled programming, they may alsobe used to order or purchase on-demand programming or pay-per-viewprogramming.

In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented assets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it isunderstood that the specific order or hierarchy of operations in themethods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In otherembodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of operations in the methodcan be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter.The accompanying method claims present elements of the variousoperations in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to belimited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The described disclosure may be provided as a computer program product,or software, that may include a non-transitory machine-readable mediumhaving stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program acomputer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a processaccording to the present disclosure. A non-transitory machine-readablemedium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g.,software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer). The non-transitory machine-readable medium may take the formof, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppydiskette, video cassette, and so on); optical storage medium (e.g.,CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); randomaccess memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM andEEPROM); flash memory; and so on.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, constructionand arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosedsubject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of thefollowing claims to encompass and include such changes.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tovarious embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments areillustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited tothem. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements arepossible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure have been described in the context or particular embodiments.Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently invarious embodiments of the disclosure or described with differentterminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined inthe claims that follow.

1. A method for presenting a matrix code for expressing an interest in aremotely accessible program comprising: receiving, at a contentreceiver, a signal carrying identifying data relating to the remotelyaccessible program; generating, at the content receiver, a matrix codefrom the identifying data relating to the remotely accessible program;transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to apresentation device for display; and receiving the remotely accessibleprogram in response to a user capture of the matrix code.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the matrix code further includes advertisement data.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the advertisement data includesadditional information about an advertised program.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the additional information includes a movie trailer. 5.The method of claim 3, wherein the additional information includes anInternet link to a movie producer's website.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the identifying data includes a movie title.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the identifying data further includes user information.8. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying data further includesinstructions for communicating the identifying data to a televisionservice provider.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the instructionsinclude a method of preparing a text message including the identifyingdata and sending the text message to the provider.
 10. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the instructions include a method of preparing ane-mail including the identifying data and sending the e-mail to theprovider.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the instructions include amethod of accessing an Internet web interface of the provider andentering the identifying data into the interface.
 12. A method forcontrolling a set top box, comprising: receiving a communication from areader having scanned a matrix code generated by the set top box, thecommunication containing program information; developing an instructionfor a set top box to record a program; transmitting the instruction tothe set top box.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the programinformation includes identifying data relating to an on-demand programand the set top box.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the identifyingdata includes the title of the program.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the title is a movie title.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe identifying data includes user account information.
 17. The methodof claim 12, wherein the program information includes schedulinginformation of an already scheduled program.
 18. A method of setting arecording time on a set top box, comprising: receiving an instruction torecord from a service provider; coordinating the recording time withpreviously scheduled recordings; and setting the set top box to record.19. A method of preparing a program guide, comprising: gathering programinformation; generating matrix codes for each program including programdata; associating the matrix codes with respective programs; and storingthe program data and associated matrix codes in a computer readablestorage medium.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein generating matrixcodes further comprises including user information.